ROCK CF Rivers
Half Marathon & 5K
Run for your health. Run for the fight. Run to Rock CF.
More Than a Race:
It’s a Movement.
MARCH 22, 2026 | GROSSE ILE, MICHIGAN
The Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon is our signature spring event—uniting runners, walkers, families, and fighters to push limits and fuel hope. Every step supports the mission of Rock CF: to improve the quality of life for those living with cystic fibrosis through fitness, advocacy, and action.
With stunning views of the Detroit River and a USATF-certified fast, flat half marathon course around Grosse Ile, this race is a favorite for first-timers and seasoned runners alike.
Your choice of Half Marathon, a 15K (new!) or a 5K. Signup today to join us for year 15!
Rivers Half Marathon, 15K (new!) & 5K FAQs
General Information
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Sunday, March 22, 2026. The Half Marathon & 15K start at 8:00 AM from Grosse Ile Middle School
5K run/walk starts at 8:15 from the Grosse Ile Naval Hangar.
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Click here to view all 3 race maps for 2026!
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Click here to view airport area & shuttle parking map!
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The Half Marathon & 15K start at 8:00 AM from Grosse Ile Middle School
5K run/walk starts at 8:15 from the Grosse Ile Naval Hangar
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We offer:
Half Marathon
15K
5K Run/Walk
Virtual Run/Walk
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Yes, the half marathon will be capped at 800, 15K at 300, and the 5K at 500 people.
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YES!
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Yes! There will be a 3 hour and 30 minute time limit for the half marathon. This breaks down to a 16 minute per mile pace. If you wish to continue beyond the limit, you will be on your own with no support provided by the race.
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All proceeds from the race go to fund the mission of the Rock CF Foundation (www.letsrockcf.org)
Registration
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Yes! You can change distances through your RunSignUp profile or email us for assistance.
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Yes, if space is available. Early registration is recommended to guarantee your shirt and medal.
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This race is the largest fundraising and awareness event for the Rock CF Foundation. Refunds will not be given in any event. You agreed to this when you registered.
Packet Pickup
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Advanced Pick Up
Wednesday March 18 & Thursday March 19 at Run Detroit (1948 Division St. Suite 105 Detroit, MI)
Time: 10:00am-6:30pm
*All race distances can pick up here
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March 21 Race Expo (Pick up for all races)
Grosse Ile Middle School Gym (23270 E River Rd Grosse Ile)
Time - 12:00pm - 6:00 p.m.
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Sunday March 22
Race Day Half Marathon & 15K ONLY
Grosse Ile Middle School Gym
Time- 6:00am until race time
Race Day 5K Pick Up
Grosse Ile Pilot House (9645 Groh Rd, Grosse Ile )
Time- 6:00am until race time
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Yes! They just need your name and event info. No ID required.
Gear Check
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YES! See below for details
Half Marathon - Drop & Pick Up Inside of the GI Middle School Gym
5K - Drop at tent near 5K start/15K finish. Look for feather banner! Pick up in Middle School Gym
15K-Drop in Middle School Gym. Pick up at tent near finish line.
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Use the bag provided at packet pickup and attach the label with your bib number. Volunteers will organize bags for easy pickup after the race.
Parking & Logistics
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NOTE- There is NO race parking at Grosse Ile Middle School or Grosse Ile High School (due to an existing event).
Parking Options
1) Township Shuttle Lots by Grosse Ile Airport: Beginning at 6am to GI Middle School
Use the address 9801 Intrepid & enter off of Meridian Rd. only
Please park where volunteers advise
Half & 15K runners must board a bus to the Middle School for start & packet pickup
Bus loading is on Saratoga Ave
Buses will run continuously until race time & resume post race
5K runners do not board the shuttles. Your start & packet pickup is walkable, across Groh Rd
Post Race: buses will drive Half Marathon & 5K runners back to these lots from the Middle School
15K runners finish at the airport. This is across the street from these shuttle lots
We strongly encourage Half Marathon & 15K runners to arrive to the shuttle lots early, especially if you need to pick up your packet. Our suggestion is 90 minutes to allow time to park, and wait for bus loading. Shuttle time from the lots to the Middle School is 8-10 minutes but it will take longer with race traffic.
2) Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club *New this year!*: Beginning at 6am to Middle School Only
This lot will fill up early!
Pre race shuttles will only run to the Middle School from the Country Club
5K runners that park here will need to ride the shuttle to the Middle School, then board a bus to the 5K area at the airport
Post Race: Buses will drive runners from both finish areas back to the lot
3) Macomb Street (Select businesses with Race Parking Sign out front)
Roughly 0.5 to 0.75 mile walk to the Middle School via the path behind the High School
Please only park in lots that have a Race Parking sign out front
Fifth Third Bank, Building Blocks, Nate’s, Public Service Credit Union, Tails, Ralph’s Lawn, Island Goods (old lot), & lot at 7738 Macomb Parking Lot
These lots are on Macomb between Parke Lane & E. River
Note: The 15K Finish Line is at the airport. Runners that need to be shuttled to the Middle School or the Country Club can catch a shuttle here.
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Grosse Ile is an island connected by two bridges. The north end bridge costs $3.50 each way. The south end bridge is Free. Please note that because of trains and possible bridge openings your travel time could be delayed. Please plan to arrive on the island early to make sure you have ample time to prepare.
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The Holiday Inn Express in Woodhaven (15-20 min from Shuttle lots) and Grosse Ile Pilot House are great options!
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Grosse Ile and surrounding area has many restaurants that will be ready for you!
Race Day Details
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All runners must use the porto potties by the start/finish line at the middle school.
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There are 8 porto potties on the south side of the hangar by the 5K start & 15K finish!
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Our water stations are the best! GIHS teams and clubs run these energetic stations!
Mile 2.25- Water & Lemon Lime Gatorade
Mile 4.1- Water & Lemon Lime Gatorade
Mile 6.3- Water, Lemon Lime Gatorade & GU (vanilla, chocolate, tri berry, strawberry banana)
Mile 8- Water & Lemon Lime Gatorade
Mile 10.22- Water, Lemon Lime Gatorade & GU (vanilla, chocolate, tri berry, strawberry banana)
Mile 11.45 (Mile 1.65 for 5K)- Water & Lemon Lime Gatorade
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YES! We have awesome peeps leading the following groups:
1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:05, 2:15, 2:30
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Half Marathon: Top Female, Top Male, Top Nonbinary, Overall Masters Female & Male, 3 deep per age group
15K:Top Female, Top Male, Top Nonbinary, Overall Masters Female & Male, 3 deep per age group
5K: Top Female, Top Male, Top Nonbinary, Overall Masters Female & Male, 3 deep per age group
Awards for the Half & 5K will be posted and handed out inside of the GI Middle School gym under The Bolts Rock CF Racing tent. 15K Awards will be at the finish line at the GI Airport.
Half & 15K Age Groups: 14 & Under , 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35- 39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80
5K Age Groups: 10 & Under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35- 39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80
You also will have access to live results on your smartphone.
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No. USATF rules/insurance does not cover strollers on the course, so they are not permitted.
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Our course insurance does not cover animals, well, domestic animals. Give your pet a break for the day!
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YES, you can wear headphones. YES, you can wear headphones. I know we've built this thing together, but I'd skip the Starship.
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Post race bagels, bananas, famous cookies and other treats will be available inside of the Middle School. Please allow our awesome volunteers to hand you your food.
There will be cookies & bagels for 15K at your finish line!
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There will be port-a-johns located at each water station. There will also be plenty of port-a-johns in the GI Middle School Parking lot and at the Start Line of the 5K/Finish of 15K at the airport.
Spectators
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Yes! Spectators are welcome and encouraged.
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There are awesome spectator areas at the Middle School, and around the course. Please see the course map to avoid driving on course.
Virtual Race
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Yes! Just email us and we’ll help you update your registration. Info@letsrockcf.org
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Please register for the virtual run before March 9th. Anyone who registers after March 1st for the virtual run will receive their packet AFTER the race weekend. Thank you for understanding!
WHY WE RUN.
Every mile you run supports Rock CF’s life-changing programs, from scholarships to mental wellness programs to running shoes for those living with CF.
When you register, you’ll have the option to set up a fundraising page. Every dollar makes a difference.
Run Wherever You Are.
Can’t join us in Michigan? You can still be part of the Rock CF community from wherever you live. Register for the virtual run and complete your distance during race week and celebrate with the same shirt, medal, and mission!
